Elwood, IL – As temperatures drop across Will County this winter, the Elwood Fire Protection District is reminding residents to use space heaters safely to reduce the risk of house fires.
According to the Elwood Fire Protection District, space heaters should always be plugged directly into a wall outlet and never into a power strip or extension cord. Fire officials say these accessories are not designed to handle the high electrical load required by space heaters and can quickly overheat, potentially igniting nearby materials.
The department emphasized that improper use of space heaters is a common cause of winter residential fires across Illinois, particularly during periods of sustained cold when heaters are running for extended hours.
Fire officials recommend keeping space heaters at least three feet away from anything that can burn, including furniture, curtains, bedding, and clothing. Residents are also urged to turn off space heaters whenever leaving a room or going to sleep, as unattended heaters significantly increase fire risk.
The reminder comes as many households rely on supplemental heating to offset rising energy costs and colder overnight temperatures. According to fire safety officials, even newer models with automatic shutoff features should still be treated with caution.
Elwood Fire Protection District officials say following basic safety guidelines can make a major difference in preventing winter emergencies and protecting homes and families during the coldest months of the year.
Residents in Elwood, Will County, and the greater Chicago-area suburbs are encouraged to review fire safety plans and ensure smoke detectors are working properly throughout the home.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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